serotonin

[Junkjournal1]

Hi I’m looking for an answer really as I’m confused 😕. So I am currently peri menopause and have been on Sertraline for a number of years with fluctuating dosages depending on how I am feeling. This increases serotonin which helps my depression and anxiety. But if my estrogen is low will they still boost my serotonin levels. Please if anyone can shed some light on this I would appreciate it thank you.

[MyStar86]

the serotonin medication works for people at any stage of life that’s why men also use them they are not linked to oestrogen levels. You mood could be low due to low oestrogen levels not serotonin, antidepressants don’t do anything for menopause symptoms the only cure for that is pill or hrt yes people suggest natural option but I was thrown into menopause at 35 via surgery so I can only speak from my experience.

[Junkjournal1 in reply to MyStar86]

Estrogen acts everywhere in the body, including the parts of the brain that control emotion. Some of estrogen's effects include: Increasing serotonin, and the number of serotonin receptors in the brain. Modifying the production and the effects of endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals in the brain.

Thank you for your reply but I’m still not sure. In my research I found this above. Oestrogen increases serotonin which is good but if your levels are low ………,,antidepressants are supposed to also increase serotonin. Sorry to hear that you started all this at a young age thank you again.

[Tina_Maria]

Hi there, this may be a bit of a strange question, but has anyone done a thyroid function test for you? Thyroid dysfunction is quite common with increasing age, especially in women, and if you have an under-active thyroid, this could be causing your depression and anxiety. Thyroid dysfunction could also cause an increased cholesterol level or slightly elevated glucose. And if you are treated correctly for your thyroid dysfunction, this could go away!

Just an idea, may not be the case but certainly worth exploring? Best of luck!